nanceoir's review against another edition
4.0
This was really entertaining, and it doesn't depend on a person knowing the history of the series. I mean, before I started, I read through Wikipedia article about the series, but that was mostly to get a sense of what I'd be getting into; I certainly didn't remember any significant details about the series or its universe. But, really, besides stumbling a little on a few names -- which could happen in any book -- and feeling like there were things that would resonate or be cool or what-have-you if I knew the previous books, I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything major.
This feels like a pretty good stand-alone tale, one that can be picked up and enjoyed by someone who hasn't read the series. And speaking as a non-series reader, I think I'd like to check out more sometime.
This feels like a pretty good stand-alone tale, one that can be picked up and enjoyed by someone who hasn't read the series. And speaking as a non-series reader, I think I'd like to check out more sometime.
bosermoki's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shibosan's review against another edition
4.0
Буджолд удалось заставить меня полюбить Айвена, который в предыдущих книгах был слегка раздражающим персонажем третьего-четвертого плана. Однако в качестве одного из главных героев он оказался чертовски неплох. В целом же получилась "Комарра" плюс "Гражданская кампания", но с Айвеном вместо Майлза.
ellianderjoy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcohol, Violence, Sexism, Ableism, Death, Death of parent, and Suicidal thoughts
qwedsa123's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
caedocyon's review against another edition
3.0
Not bad, but not one of my favorites. (As Sam said, the pacing was a little off.) I liked the further insight into Illyan's retirement, and learning more about how Ivan survives having to work with people like Miles and Illyan. Still not that interested by Ivan as a character, though pointing out that he has basically been next in line for the throne Imperial camp stool all along sheds a very interesting new light on him and his place in the world. More tidbits of Barrayaran history and culture were very fun if you're a fan of the series.
Oh, and Grandma was great: expert biologist/geneticist, and ever so slightly off her rocker.
BTW I'm not sure this belongs in the book review, but the cover art is a travesty, even by sci-fi standards. I've seen the original cover painting, and it's actually fantastic---I have no idea why someone thought it needed inch-and-a-half high letters covering 75% of it. And the back cover... oh, god. It's a badly composed and badly executed painting of Ivan with the two main female characters in their underwear---because boobies, I guess? I'm in the habit of setting down my... lighter reading... on its front cover when in public, but every time I did that I blanched and flipped it over. Eughhhh.
Oh, and Grandma was great: expert biologist/geneticist, and ever so slightly off her rocker.
BTW I'm not sure this belongs in the book review, but the cover art is a travesty, even by sci-fi standards. I've seen the original cover painting, and it's actually fantastic---I have no idea why someone thought it needed inch-and-a-half high letters covering 75% of it. And the back cover... oh, god. It's a badly composed and badly executed painting of Ivan with the two main female characters in their underwear---because boobies, I guess? I'm in the habit of setting down my... lighter reading... on its front cover when in public, but every time I did that I blanched and flipped it over. Eughhhh.
tehani's review
5.0
I had forgotten almost everything about this book, so it was just like reading for the first time, and I enjoyed it so very much! I really liked that this is Ivan's book, and I love what Bujold did to make us, the reader, realise we've probably been judging Ivan pretty poorly all these years. He's not Miles, of course he's not, but he's a loyal, dedicated and pretty damn competent fellow – he's just got completely different desires for his future to the high flyers he's surrounded by, and he kind of likes the quiet life! Bujold had cleverly seeded some of Ivan's POV in A Civil Campaign, so it's less jarring to be immersed in him when you have just read all the preceding books…
tehani's review against another edition
5.0
I don't even know what to say about this book except a) nyah nyah, I've read it already and most everyone else will most likely wait until later in the year to buy a proper copy (I bought an uncorrected eArc from Baen!) and b) it's really, REALLY good. Karen Healey described it as a "straight up romance … in SPACE!" which is a pretty good definition, but doesn't come anywhere close to how clever and well put together it is!
Bujold has a gift for taking different genre tropes and dropping them into her Vorkosigan world (in SPACE!) - we've seen so many different types of books from her over the past two decades, all following the characters of the saga, and this means you never get tired of them or the setting, because it's always handled differently. With Ivan taking centre stage (with dollops of other favourite folk for long-time readers, and little gems of backstory for the loyalists!), "Captain Vorpatril's Alliance" takes on a new voice. It's a delight to read, and really is Bujold at her best. Loved it!
Bujold has a gift for taking different genre tropes and dropping them into her Vorkosigan world (in SPACE!) - we've seen so many different types of books from her over the past two decades, all following the characters of the saga, and this means you never get tired of them or the setting, because it's always handled differently. With Ivan taking centre stage (with dollops of other favourite folk for long-time readers, and little gems of backstory for the loyalists!), "Captain Vorpatril's Alliance" takes on a new voice. It's a delight to read, and really is Bujold at her best. Loved it!
maggiekms's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75